East Carbon City approves justice court percentages, examines Public Safety Building concerns

East Carbon City has reviewed voter turnout and found that about 27 percent of the city participated in the recent primary election. Although this number is low, there will likely be a larger turnout for the final election on Nov. 3. However, during the city council's Sept. 22 meeting, the situation regarding the Public Safety Building and ambulance was discussed for further review.

The Sunnyside ambulance has been embroiled in difficult legal complications with the city of East Carbon. Although a committee between the two cities was formed during the last council meeting, the situation has not been resolved. If funding problems persist, Carbon County will step in and take over the service.

"I kind of get the impression that this has been going on for six to eight months. It's ridiculous," said Barbara Robinett, director of the ambulance service, during the meeting. "We need to come up with some different ways to fund the ambulance."

As for the Public Safety Building, post-construction complications have plagued the facility. Although a crack in the foundation was recently fixed, other problems have continued. A cascade machine needed to fill up firefighter's SCBA tanks for fires has been underpowered since electricity to the building is at 208 while a level of 240 is needed. A similar committee, with different council members between the two cities, has also been formed to consider these problems.

A justice court contract with Sunnyside City was also approved with fines divided at 60 percent going to East Carbon and 40 percent to Sunnyside for offenses that occur in Sunnyside.

Another ongoing issue is a drainage problem of Eigth West in East Carbon. The street is constantly flooded by rain storms. Although work has begun to remedy the situation, it has been hitting some snags.

"We talked about the last two storms and that was all the system could handle," said Councilman David Avery. "We need to get it fixed. We're running out of good weather."

Avery went on to inform the council that a telephone pole in the way has been a challenge because Rocky Mountain Power has thus far refused to move it.

Finally, approval was given for each city worker to have a pair of steel toed boots valued at $200 each. The city maintenance crew will attempt to make room in storage for an old fire truck that is on display for winter.